The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found itself in a challenging position during a major lawsuit against Amazon, as revealed by FTC lawyer Jonathan Cohen. Cohen disclosed that the FTC was facing severe resource constraints, with some team members resigning due to a unique “Fork In the Road” offer and a freeze on hiring. The agency’s financial situation was dire, leading to restrictions such as reduced travel card limits and delays in obtaining legal transcripts for court preparations.

The high-profile lawsuit against Amazon, where the FTC accused the company of deceptive practices related to Prime memberships, was at risk of delay due to the FTC’s resource issues. Initially requesting a trial postponement, Cohen later retracted the plea, stating that the FTC was prepared to proceed with the case without constraints. Amazon’s lawyer questioned the need for a delay, emphasizing the readiness of legal teams regardless of internal challenges.

Following Cohen’s statements, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson affirmed the agency’s commitment to allocating necessary resources for the case and standing firm against Big Tech. Despite the initial concerns raised about resource shortages, the FTC assured its readiness to meet court deadlines and obligations.

In conclusion, the FTC’s temporary resource challenges underscored the complexities of litigating against tech giants like Amazon, highlighting the importance of adequate support and preparation in high-stakes legal battles.